7 Tips for “Staying Healthy” During the Cold & Flu Season

One of the best things about winter is that the cold weather kills off all sorts of germs and bugs, but at the same time, when we’re indoors with all the windows and doors shut, we’re giving those same germs a place to live. It’s a double‐edged sword, and cold and flu season is inevitable. There are a few things you can do to stay healthier during the season, however. Take a look at these 7 tips for staying healthy during cold and flu season and share your favorite tips with us in the comments!

1. Stay hydrated.

This is something people don’t really think of during the winter months, because you’re not as hot and thirsty. However, your body is primarily made up of water, and if you stay hydrated, you’re helping your body flush out the toxins you may come into contact with.

2. Wash your hands constantly.

Think about this for a second. When you visit the doctor, the first thing he or she does is wash their hands. They wash them when they enter the room and they wash them when they leave. If they didn’t, they’d contract every single contagious bug that came into their offices, and they’d never make it to work. Wash, wash, wash your hands, and then put lotion on them, because all of that hand washing will make them dry and obviously you want beautiful hands!

3. If you can’t wash your hands, use hand sanitizer.

The thing about hand sanitizer is that it’s good in a pinch if there is no soap and water available. It’s not to be used in place of hand washing, and too much hand sanitizer is a bad thing because never being exposed to any germ won’t make your immune system stronger.

However, if you take public transportation or spend a lot of time around sick people, keep a small bottle handy!

4. Get enough rest.

Don’t party all night and then go to work the next day. It makes your body weak against infections. Be sure to get the recommended 8 hours a night. Some people need even more than that. If you’re sick, get a few extra hours of sleep as well. Listen to your body and when it says it’s had enough, give it a rest.

5. Eat right.

Eat right? Yes! Just like your mom told you when you were a kid, you need to eat PLENTY of fruits and vegetables. Vitamin supplements are good too, but that’s just what they are – supplements.They’re not meant to be your main source of nutrition. Give your body what it needs naturally as much as possible.

6. Consider vaccinating against the flu.

Or don’t. There’s a huge controversy here and I’m not going to get into it very much because every time someone mentions vaccination lately (no matter what their position), it causes a war. Talk to your doctor, do your own diligent research, and decide what’s best for your family. No one else can make that decision for you.

7. Take something for the symptoms

If you get sick (and it happens to most people at least once during cold & flu season), take something to ease the symptoms while you eat well, rest, and drink plenty of fluids. Vicks has a couple of awesome products that will help. Vicks DayQuil and NyQuil Severe Cold and Flu medicines will help ease the coughs, aches, stuffiness, and fevers that come with the cold and flu so that you can get back on your feet sooner. Even better, they’re available for a low cost at your local Walmart.

Remember that Spring is right around the corner, and before you know it, cold and flu season will be over. In the meantime, take care of your bodies so that they’ll be in great shape for the Spring flowers and Summer sunshine!

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